Fls perfect or ♀ in small axillary clusters, or the clusters in simple or compound spikes. Per. segs 2-5 ± united; stamens (0)-2-5. Styles 2-3, ± free. Fr. a membr. utricle ± invested by persistent per. Seed with crustaceous variously marked testa; embryo annular, endosperm cop. Annual to perennial herbs or shrubs with over 100 spp., mainly of temperate regions.

Fls small, axillary to terminal, perfect or unisexual, in ebracteate clusters arranged in spikes or racemes. Per. 5-partite, not or very slightly enlarging in fr.; stamens 5-0; filaments flattened; ovary subglobose, ± depressed; styles 1-(3). Fr. a ± globose berry, free from per.; seed horizontal, embryo annular, endosperm cop. Shrubs, sub-shrubs, or herbs with alt. or opp. lvs. About 12 spp. in Australia and 1 in N.Z.

Annual or perennial herbs, occasionally shrubby, glabrous, farinose, or with very short glandular hairs. Stems usually green, often whitish farinose when young, sometimes striped yellow, red or purple. Lvs mostly alternate, sometimes opposite near base, flat, extremely variable in shape, usually membranous. Fls usually in glomerules, sessile, ☿ or ♀; glomerules aggregated in dense spikes or panicles; bracteoles 0. Perianth segments 2-5, usually herbaceous, incurved, connate at base, scarcely accrescent, rarely becoming fleshy. Stamens (1)-2-5. Ovary superior; stigmas 2-(5). Fr. indehiscent with a membranous pericarp, often surrounded by persistent perianth. Seed generally horizontal, sometimes vertical; testa variously sculptured.